building which has more of a Mediterranean feel to it rather than a traditional British marina.

“The restaurant, offices, board room, function suites and high-level viewing terrace all overlook the marina in a series of interlinking glass and stone buildings which are extremely environmentally friendly.

“The buildings are highly insulated and designed in such a way that they don’t need a lot of energy because it’s naturally lit and ventilated. The heating is all under floor and the LED lighting system, the first of its kind in Europe, is very, very energy efficient.”

Wherever possible, local materials, suppliers and craſtsmen have been used to create the show-piece development. “We’ve used a lot of local firms. That’s part of our sustainability approach,” said Mr Stewart.

“It’s all very well trying to use as much local materials as you can but if you bring in contractors from far away then it’s not of great benefit to the local economy. We have tried to maintain as much of the construction and supply work within the Argyll area as possible.” Much of the appeal of Portavadie is that it is designed to be a year round destination for all types of visitors, whether they want to stay for a few weeks or a few hours. The Cowal Way is a 47-mile (75 kilometres) walk, which starts at Portavadie pier and ends at Ardgarten on Loch Long.

Cowalfest, Scotland’s largest walking festival is now also a major arts festival with a 10-day programme of walks, arts, cultural and social events that celebrate landscape and the natural world’s influence on creativity. Held in the Cowal Peninsula every autumn this West Highland destination is readily accessible by plane, train, car and ferry from the rest of the UK and Europe.

Wildlife enthusiasts may see red deer, oters, peregrine falcons, and a wonderful variety of seabirds and marine life

including basking sharks, minke whales, seals, dolphins and porpoises.

“Portavadie is more than a marina. Te idea is to create a destination which will appeal all year round to walkers, mountain bikers, golfers, horse riders, fishermen, divers and wildlife watchers as well as sailors,”

:Iain Jurgensen, general manager.

“Portavadie is more than a marina. The idea is to create a destination which will appeal all year round to walkers, mountain bikers, golfers, horse riders, fishermen, divers and wildlife watchers as well as sailors,” said Iain Jurgensen.

“Everybody is more than welcome to enjoy what nature has given us – a wonderful view. On a clear night the stars are absolutely stunning and seeing the sunset across the loch is phenomenal. It’s a beautiful part of the world and something of a wee secret gem.”

Maybe someone should do the same on the neigbouring Gareloch.

August 2015

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